WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS ADOPT BURN BAN EFFECTIVE LATE THURSDAY
Brenham Clinic join Washington County
Commissioners after the court's reading of a
proclamation recognizing October 23 as Paint the
Town Pink Day. The event brings awareness to
breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Washington County Commissioners moved today (Tuesday) to adopt a burn ban, set to go into effect Thursday night.
The order restricting outdoor burning in unincorporated areas of the county becomes effective at 11:59 p.m. Thursday and will continue for 90 days, or until the restrictions are ended.
Emergency Management Coordinator Bryan Ruemke said the ban comes as conditions in the region remain severely dry.
Along with Austin County, area counties that are also under burn ban are Brazos, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette and Lee.
Washington County Commissioners at
Tuesday's meeting.
According to the approved order, Washington County’s burn ban does not restrict outdoor burning of household garbage in screened barrels or properly constructed screen pits. Also allowed are outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety that are authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for firefighter training; public utility, natural gas pipeline or mining operations; planting or harvesting of agricultural crops; or burns that are conducted by a prescribed burn manager certified under Natural Resources Code.
Violations are punishable by a fine of up to $500.
County Judge John Durrenberger said the reason for setting an effective date of Thursday is to give time to put up signage reflecting the active burn ban.
In other business today, the court:
- Gave approval for the purchase of perpetual licensing for the security information and event management logging software called ManageEngine Log360, in the amount of $12,381.
- Approved an amendment to the county’s professional engineering services contract with Strand Associates. County Engineer Wesley Stolz said the amendment is for the purpose of remaining in compliance with Texas General Land Office requirements and reduces the contract amount by $2.
- Approved a property access agreement with Charlie P. Bryan for a drainage project along Old Bryan Road in Precinct 3.
- Declared several fleet items as surplus property and agreed to sell them through Mark Switzer Land & Auction.
- Approved a final plat for the Oak Hill Reserve subdivision, consisting of eight lots located along Brown College Lane in Precinct 1.
- Approved oil and gas development permit for Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC on FM 1697 in Precinct 4.
- Received a formal presentation of a preliminary plat for the Windmill Ridge subdivision, consisting of 41 lots located along FM 2193 in Precinct 1. No action was needed.
- Received a formal presentation of a preliminary plat for the Maplewood subdivision, consisting of 12 lots along FM 2935 in Precinct 3. No action was necessary.
- Discussed a formal notice from Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC for a temporary lay-flat water line along the county right-of-way of Sandstone Road in Precinct 4. No action was required.
- Read a proclamation recognizing the month of October as Paint the Town Pink in Washington County.